Mixtape Mondays: Karim Hype, Unity Sound, Balooba Sound, Shashamane Intl.

Words by Kali Madden

As the world keeps turning, the music keeps us learning. For the past few weeks, we’ve all grappled with new realities of life in the time of COVID-19. Still, music gives us a space to flow and remain creatively charged. This week’s Mixtape Mondays selections capture the moment, lifting us through the unknown with three uptempo dancehall sessions and one roots-reggae salute for your ultimate grounding.

Karim Hype – Pandemic – Dancehall Mix + Clean

Karim Hype‘s latest mix, Pandemic – Dancehall Mix + Clean, directly addresses the global climate. The tape begins with an ominous dubplate of Chronixx’s “Dela Move,” continuing with another special of Dexta Daps and Masicka‘s “Leader,” ultimately fulfilling every listener with a positive outlook on life. The mix features more big moments such as Hype’s remix of Intence’s “Go Hard,” on Skillibeng “Brik Pan Brik” riddim, a Kartel segment at 37:37, Jada Kingdom’s “Heavy” and more. Stay home while staying lit with Pandemic – Dancehall Mix + Clean here:

Unity Sound – Dancehall Ting 17 Coronavirus Mix

We might be tired of tiring of hearing about the Coronavirus by now, but Unity Sound puts their own fresh spin on things with their Dancehall Ting 17: Coronavirus Mix. The mix is a compilation of freestyles by DJ Crossfire of the Unity Sound family, starting with the upbeat “New Hail (Corona)” from artiste Zagga, a song that’s up to the time, referring to creative ways to shake hands these days. The mix also features new and pertinent references to the outbreak with music from Vybz Kartel, Chronic Law, Mavado, Sean Paul, and more. Be well with Dancehall Ting 17 Coronavirus Mix here:

Balooba Sound – D.W.T.B. (Done With the Badness) 2020 Mixtape 

Long-time Mixtape Mondays favorites Balooba Sound out of Pescara, Italy, present us with the brand new D.W.T.B. (Done With the Badness) 2020 Mixtape. The mix is a crisp compilation from the trio consisting of founder Moko DJ, new addition DJ Koala and emcee Aman. With drops from dancehall great Bounty Killer, the mix is well packaged with plenty of 2020 dancehall fire. Named after Intence’s single of the same name, there are steady big tunes such as Mavado’s “Flammable,” Likkle Addi’s “Dolla Sign,” Govana’s “Ole,” and more. A strong effort to be done with the badness but coming out badder than ever, listen to D.W.T.B. (Done With the Badness) 2020 Mixtape here:

Shashamane Intl – Black Gold: Roots Reggae Mixtape

As we’ve begun to feel more connected across continents, it seems only fitting to end on a worldwide note this week. Shashamane Itnl is a sound out of Kenya bringing the roots reggae vibe with their Black Gold’ – Roots Reggae Mixtape. The mix starts firm with Samory I’s song “Black Gold,” a poignant tune to which the session is dedicated. The tape also highlights Odelyah, a roots artist out of of southern Israel, and Tara Harrison a Jamaican-bred singer from New York. Listen for big moments such as Jah 9’s “Unafraid” mixed with Mad Professor’s “Lioness Order Dubmix,” Randy Valentine and Exco Levi’s “Protected,” and more for your ultimate meditation here:

Let’s keep leaning on the music as we do our part to keep moving together! Sending everyone our best wishes for wellness and safety until next week.